Implant Bridges for Adjacent Edentulous Spaces
Presentation Category
Implant Dentistry
Introduction/Context/Diagnosis
Adjacent edentulous areas can be treated with multiple modalities. When removable partial dentures are not desired, implant bridges are a viable option to restore function.
Methods/Treatment Plan
68yo female patient presented with edentulous #29-31 and failing bridge #18-21. Patient did not want removable appliances and desired to have implants. Planned for two implant bridges - #19-21 and #29-31. Careful consideration was given due to patient’s history of taking oral bisphosphonates.
Results/Outcome
Bridge was extracted and four dental implants placed (#29 and 31, then #19 and 21). Two implants (#29 and #31) are currently being restored with an implant bridge. A combined cement- and screw-retained bridge design has been utilized to accommodate for the implant angle.
Significance/Conclusions
An implant bridge is an effective solution for adjacent edentulous spaces in patients who want to avoid removable appliances. The implant bridge is more complicated to restore compared to multiple single implants, but saves the cost of one implant and may be a more cost-friendly treatment option. Due to the angles of the implants, a combined cement- and screw-retained design was chosen. The cement-retained portion will be cemented with temporary cement, thus giving the implant bridge the retrievable property of a screw-retained crown.
Format
Event
Implant Bridges for Adjacent Edentulous Spaces
Adjacent edentulous areas can be treated with multiple modalities. When removable partial dentures are not desired, implant bridges are a viable option to restore function.
Comments/Acknowledgements
I would like to extend my thanks to the faculty involved with this case - Dr. Shimmel, Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Sadowsky, and Dr. Hakim. You have all made it possible for me have this experience and to provide the patient with an amazing oral rehabilitation.